DeLAND, Fla. — Stetson closed out the 2024 season on Saturday, falling 42-8 to San Diego on Senior Day at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium. The afternoon began with the recognition of the program's graduating football student-athletes, cheerleaders, athletic trainers, and support staff before the Hatters took the field for their final game of the year.
San Diego improved to 8-4 and 6-2 in PFL play, while Stetson wrapped up the season at 3-9 overall and 2-6 in the league.
Chris Stephenson led the Hatters with 97 rushing yards on 24 carries and scored Stetson's lone touchdown midway through the third quarter, finishing the drive with a successful two-point conversion. Defensively, Rhyan Cheatham delivered one of the game's top highlights with a second-quarter interception at the goal line, which he returned 12 yards. Senior defensive end Andrew Martin capped his collegiate career with a 10-tackle performance that included 1.5 sacks, while senior linebacker Kyle Elphick added nine tackles and half a sack.
Despite controlling possession for more than 36 minutes and converting 10 of 22 third-down attempts, Stetson was unable to slow San Diego's rushing attack, which produced three second-quarter touchdowns that broke the game open.
San Diego struck first late in the opening quarter with a 14-yard touchdown run to go up 7-0. Early in the second, Cheatham intercepted a pass at the goal line, but the Hatters gave the ball back on the next play, leading to another San Diego score. The Toreros added a 53-yard rushing touchdown and a short-yardage run to take a 28-0 lead into the break.
Stetson found momentum to start the second half when Martin and Elphick combined for a sack that forced a San Diego punt. Stephenson took over from there, rushing several times on the ensuing drive before punching in a 1-yard touchdown and running in the two-point conversion to make it 28-8.
San Diego answered with a pick-six early in the fourth quarter and later added another rushing touchdown. Stetson moved inside the red zone in the closing minutes on a series of runs from KJ Snead and a completion from Gavin Rupp to Zion Griffin, but the drive ended on downs at the 5-yard line as time expired.
TOP PERFORMERS
Chris Stephenson
97 rushing yards on 24 attempts
1 rushing touchdown
12-of-24 passing for 69 yards
2-point conversion
Andrew Martin
10 total tackles
1.5 sacks
2.5 TFL
Rhyan Cheatham
5 tackles
1 interception
12 return yards
Kyle Elphick
9 tackles
0.5 sacks
GAME NOTES
- Stetson honored its Senior Day class pregame, including football student-athletes, cheerleaders, athletic trainers, and support staff.
- Women's Tennis was recognized at halftime and received their ASUN Championship rings.
- Stetson held the ball for 36:15 compared to San Diego's 23:45.
- The Hatters outgained San Diego through the air, 142–102.
- Stetson converted 10 of 22 third-down attempts.
- San Diego finished with 284 total yards, led by Matt Colombo's four rushing touchdowns.
About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.
